Vehicle-mounted apparatus, information providing method for use with vehicle-mounted apparatus, and recording medium recorded information providing method program for use with vehicle-mounted apparatus therein

ABSTRACT

A vehicle-mounted apparatus is disclosed which includes a displaying unit for providing information to a user, an inputting unit for inputting operations carried out by the user, and a controlling unit for controlling a display of the displaying unit based on the operations input through the inputting unit. The inputting unit has at least a touch-sensitive panel attached to a display screen of the displaying unit. The controlling unit causes the displaying unit to display a menu screen based on the operations input through the inputting unit. The controlling unit also causes the displaying unit to switch the displays based on menus selected on the menu screen. Furthermore, the controlling unit causes the displaying unit to switch, as when a specific menu is selected on the menu screen, the displays in response to a fingertip gesture made by the user for detection on the touch-sensitive panel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a vehicle-mounted apparatus, aninformation providing method for use with the vehicle-mounted apparatus,and an information providing method program for use with thevehicle-mounted apparatus. More particularly, the invention relates to avehicle-mounted apparatus which has navigation and content reproductioncapabilities and which is structured to have its displays switched inmenu-based fashion upon input of fingertip gestures made by a user on atouch-sensitive panel, whereby the user's ease of operation is enhanced.

In the past, some vehicle-mounted car navigation apparatuses weredesigned to display hierarchically structured menus that were selectedby manual input through a touch-sensitive panel or the like, asdisclosed illustratively in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. Hei 10-141974.Vehicle-mounted car navigation apparatuses of another type such as onedisclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. Hei 11-85398 were designed toadmit the input of line drawings through a touch-sensitive panel.

Recent years have seen vehicle-mounted apparatuses of yet another typeproposed which have their navigation capabilities supplemented withaudio and video reproduction functions. These vehicle-mounted apparatusare characterized by an excellent space-saving feature. they take up farless space than a car navigation device, a car audio device and otherequipment mounted individually on the vehicle.

However, the above type of vehicle-mounted apparatus typically presentsthe user with a baffling array of elaborate information displays andcomplicated operations to perform. These navigation-related operationsand information displays are compounded with those for audio and videocontent reproduction. The resulting complex user interface can multiplythe operational burdens on the user. Specifically, because of theirbeefed-up functionality, hierarchically structured menu displays entaila growing number of menu-related hierarchical operations that need to becarried out manually, leading to an appreciable drop in the user's easeof operation. The simple function of displaying such menus involvescomplications in the manner in which the display screens are structured,also contributing to the worsening ease of use. In particular, themanner of inputting commands using line drawings as proposed by JapanesePatent Laid-open No. Hei 11-85398 can result in an abruptly spikedoperational burden on the user because the functional improvementsinvolved require more and more line drawings to be entered.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstancesand proposes a vehicle-mounted apparatus, an information providingmethod for use with the vehicle-mounted apparatus, and an informationproviding method program for use with the vehicle-mounted apparatus witha view to improving the user's ease of operation.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a vehicle-mounted apparatus including: a displaying device forproviding desired information to a user; an inputting device forinputting operations carried out by the user; and a controlling devicefor controlling a display of the displaying device based on theoperations input through the inputting device; wherein the inputtingdevice has at least a touch-sensitive panel attached to a display screenof the displaying device; and wherein the controlling device causes thedisplaying device to display a menu screen based on the operations inputthrough the inputting device, the controlling device further causing thedisplaying device to switch the displays based on menus selected on themenu screen, the controlling device further causing the displayingdevice to switch, as when a specific menu is selected on the menuscreen, the displays in response to a fingertip gesture made by the userfor detection on the touch-sensitive panel.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided an information providing method for use with a vehicle-mountedapparatus which provides desired information to a user through adisplaying device, the information providing method including the stepsof: displaying a menu screen on the displaying device based on inputthrough an inputting device of the apparatus; switching displays on thedisplaying device based on menus selected on the menu screen; andswitching, as when a specific menu is selected on the menu screen, thedisplays on the displaying device in response to a fingertip gesturemade by the user for detection on a touch-sensitive panel attached to adisplay screen of the displaying device.

According to a third embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a recording medium recorded an information providing methodprogram for use with a vehicle-mounted apparatus therein which providesdesired information to a user through a displaying device, theinformation providing method program including the steps of: displayinga menu screen on the displaying device based on input through aninputting device of the apparatus; switching displays on the displayingdevice based on menus selected on the menu screen; and switching, aswhen a specific menu is selected on the menu screen, the displays on thedisplaying device in response to a fingertip gesture made by the userfor detection on a touch-sensitive panel attached to a display screen ofthe displaying device.

Where the vehicle-mounted apparatus according to the first embodiment ofthis invention is in use, the displaying device displays the menu screenbased on what is input through the inputting unit. Displays are switchedon the displaying unit in keeping with menus selected on the menuscreen. As when a particular menu is selected on the menu screen, thedisplays are switched on the displaying device in response to afingertip gesture made by the user for detection on the touch-sensitivepanel. That is, a single gesture is sufficient for displaying the menuscreen and executing a display switchover-operations accomplishedtraditionally by selecting menus on the menu screen. The setupcontributes to improving the user's ease of operation by reducing thenumber of operations to be performed by the user and by alleviating theuser's need to rely on his or her memorized operating procedures.Because there is no need to display menus on the display screen,complexities on the display screen are diminished, which also adds tothe user's ease of operation.

Where the method and program according to the second and the thirdembodiments of this invention are used in combination with the apparatusof the first embodiment, the user's ease of operation is furtherenhanced.

According to the present invention, as described above, fingertipgestures made on the touch-sensitive panel are accepted to implementdisplay switchovers, whereby the user's ease of operation is improved.

Because appropriate fingertip gestures bring about the displayswitchovers envisaged by the user, anyone who has little familiaritywith apparatus operations can switch displays easily and unfailingly.

Because the display switchovers carried out as envisaged by the useractually implement display screen switchovers, the novice user can get achild screen displayed, a 2-D display called up, or other displayswitchovers executed with ease and reliability.

When the display switchovers effected as envisaged by the user actuallyimplement display screen transitions, the user who is not familiar withapparatus operations can still get the child screen hidden from view,have what is displayed switched between the child and the parentscreens, or get other display switchovers implemented easily andunfailingly.

That is, when the display switchovers executed as described aboveprovide changes of map display or reproduced content display, theinventive apparatus further adds to the user's ease of operation.

Although the present invention has been shown applied to thevehicle-mounted apparatus with both content reproduction and carnavigation capabilities, this is not limitative of the invention.Alternatively, the invention can be applied extensively tovehicle-mounted apparatuses providing either content reproduction or carnavigation capabilities only.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become moreapparent upon a reading of the following description and appendeddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle-mounted apparatus togetherwith its related structures according to an embodiment of thisinvention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the vehicle-mounted apparatus shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a program menu screen displayed on atouch-sensitive panel of the vehicle-mounted apparatus in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a map display on the vehicle-mounted apparatusof FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a plan view explaining a menu for a main screen of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a plan view explaining an information display on the mainscreen of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 7A, 7B1, 7B2, and 7C are plan views explaining how a map ismagnified and reduced in scale;

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are plan views explaining how displays are switchedwhen a child screen is selected on a parent screen;

FIGS. 9A, 9B1, 9B2, and 9C are plan views explaining how two-dimensionaland three-dimensional displays are switched;

FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C are plan views explaining how displays areswitched when a viewpoint is shifted;

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C are plan views explaining how displays areswitched when a screen is split;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are plan views explaining video content providing;

FIG. 13 is a plan view explaining a video content display switchover;

FIG. 14 is a plan view explaining another video content displayswitchover;

FIG. 15 is a plan view explaining how displays are switched when therate of video content reproduction is changed;

FIG. 16 is a plan view explaining how video content displays areswitched when magnified or reduced in scale;

FIG. 17 is a plan view explaining how still image displays are switched,

FIG. 18 is a plan view explaining how focuses are switched;

FIG. 19 is a plan view explaining how music content displays areswitched; and

FIG. 20 is a plan view showing a tutorial screen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be describedwith reference to the accompanying drawings.

(1) Structure of the Embodiment

(1-1) Overall Structure of the Vehicle-Mounted Apparatus

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle-mounted apparatus 1constituting a content providing system embodying this invention. Thevehicle-mounted apparatus 1 is a multimedia terminal that functions bothas a car navigation device and as a content providing device capable ofaudio and video reproduction. The apparatus is a board-shaped unit witha certain thickness. As indicated by an arrow A, the apparatus 1 is setupon use into an onboard cradle 2A attached to the center console of thevehicle.

With the use of a cradle taken into account, the vehicle-mountedapparatus 1 has terminals and ports furnished on its underside for datainput and output and for other purposes. When placed into the onboardcradle 2A, the apparatus 1 is powered through its underside terminalsplugged into the cradle. When thus installed and powered, thevehicle-mounted apparatus 1 permits input and output of diverse kinds ofdata.

The vehicle-mounted apparatus 1 may be detached from the onboard cradle2A and brought illustratively to the user's household. In that case, asindicated by an arrow B, the apparatus 1 may be placed into a homecradle 2B through which the apparatus is connected to a computer 3 and aTV receiver 4.

During connection with the computer 3 via the home cradle 2B, thevehicle-mounted apparatus 1 is used as a multimedia terminal foruploading and downloading various files. The computer 3 starts up anapplication program compatible with the vehicle-mounted apparatus 1. Theapplication program thus activated allows the computer 3 to upload anddownload files to and from the apparatus 1 via the home cradle 2B. Thesefiles include audio and video content files, electronic mail files, andmap files for navigation purposes. The AV content files are made up ofmovie and TV program files as well as music files.

During connection with the TV receiver 4 via the home cradle 2B, thevehicle-mounted apparatus 1 is used as a multimedia terminal forpresenting the user with diverse kinds of content on a TV screen. Inaddition, the apparatus 1 may carry out its car navigation functionssuch as searches for routes while displaying maps on the TV receiver 4.

When placed on board the vehicle, the vehicle-mounted apparatus 1 has adisplay screen 11 oriented to the front, the screen displaying contentand other information. In the top right corner of the display screen 11is a power switch 12. On the left of the display screen 11 is a controlpanel equipped with controls 13P through 18P arranged from the top downto perform source, program, menu, display, map, and audio volumeadjustments respectively.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram outlining the vehicle-mounted apparatus 1 withits related structures. The apparatus 1 is connected to an external unit21 via the onboard cradle 2A. The external unit 21 is locatedillustratively under the vehicle seat and includes a tuner unit 23 andan optical disk drive 24.

Under control of the vehicle-mounted apparatus 1, the tuner unit 23receives TV broadcast waves and traffic information from VICS (VehicleInformation and Communication System) and outputs the received videodata, audio data, and traffic information to the onboard cradle 2A. Inturn, the vehicle-mounted apparatus 1 placed in the onboard cradle 2Apresents the user with TV broadcasts and traffic information.

The optical disk drive 24 under control of the vehicle-mounted apparatus1 plays optical disks such as DVD (digital versatile disk) or CD(compact disc) and outputs the reproduced video and audio data to theonboard cradle 2A. Set in the onboard cradle 2A, the vehicle-mountedapparatus 1 then presents the user with AV content coming through anauxiliary input port from the loaded optical disk.

The onboard cradle 2A includes a GPS unit 22 and an audio output unit27. The GPS unit 22 is a device that detects and outputs the currentlocation of the vehicle based on GPS (Global Positioning System) undercontrol of the vehicle-mounted apparatus 1. Placed in the onboard cradle2A, the apparatus 1 carries out navigation processes in keeping withcurrent position information detected by the GPS unit 22.

The output unit 27 acquires audio and sound data from thevehicle-mounted apparatus 1, converts the acquired data into an analogsignal, and outputs the signal on FM broadcast waves or through anexternal output terminal. When set in the onboard cradle 2A, thevehicle-mounted apparatus 1 receives the audio output in wired orwireless fashion from the output unit 27 and forwards the acquired audioand sound signal to car audio equipment 28 of the vehicle. In turn, thecar audio equipment 28 outputs the audio and sound signal.

A similar output unit is also provided in the home cradle 2B so thatsuch audio, sound and video signals may be output therefrom. When placedin the home cradle 2B, the vehicle-mounted apparatus 1 can present theuser with various kinds of AV content on the TV receiver 4.

Setting the vehicle-mounted apparatus 1 into the onboard cradle 2Aconnects an interface 26 of the apparatus 1 to an interface 25 of thecradle. The interface 25, when connected with the interface 26, outputsand inputs diverse kinds of data to and from the external unit 21.

The interface 26 functions under control of a controller 33. With thevehicle-mounted apparatus 1 set in the onboard cradle 2A, the interface26 outputs and inputs data to and from the external unit 21, andtransmits and receives the input and output data onto and from a bus inthe apparatus 1. When the vehicle-mounted apparatus 1 is placed in thehome cradle 2B, the interface 26 outputs and inputs upload and downloaddata to and from the computer 3.

An interface 31 of the vehicle-mounted apparatus 1 under control of thecontroller 33 outputs and inputs data to and from a memory card 32inserted through a card slot located on one side of the apparatus 1, andtransmits and receives the input and output data to and from the bus. Inthis setup, the vehicle-mounted apparatus 1 can acquire from the memorycard 32 still images taken by an electronic still camera, and can recordthe acquired still images to the memory card 32.

A communication unit 34 is a transmission and reception device thatoperates on a wireless LAN (local area network). Under control of thecontroller 33, the communication unit 34 outputs data from the bus ontothe network or acquires desired data from the network and outputs theacquired data onto the bus. Operating as it does, the communication unit34 allows the vehicle-mounted apparatus 1 to connect to the Internet andto send and receive electronic mail.

A hard disk drive (HDD) 35 holds programs and content data for use bythe vehicle-mounted apparatus 1 and outputs the data onto the bus undercontrol of the controller 33. The hard disk drive 35 retains file datareceived from an external device through the interface 26 or 31, dataacquired through the communication unit 34, data to be transmitted toexternal devices, and electronic mail data. The data thus retained canbe output from the hard disk drive 35 onto the bus as needed. It isassumed that the programs held on the hard disk drive 35 have beeninstalled there beforehand. Alternatively, the programs may bedownloaded from a suitable recording medium through the interface 26 or31 or from the network via the communication unit 34 before they arerecorded to the hard disk drive 35. The recording medium may be any oneof diverse media including optical disks, memory cards, or magnetictapes.

A display unit 37 is illustratively a liquid crystal display deviceconstituting the display screen 11 mentioned above in reference toFIG. 1. In operation, the display unit 37 displays diverse kinds ofcontent, maps and other information under control of the controller 33.

An input unit 38 is constituted by a touch-sensitive panel 39, areception unit 41, and an interface. The touch-sensitive panel 39mounted on the display screen 11 detects fingertip operations performedon its surface. The reception unit 41 receives a remote control signaloutputted from a remote commander 40. The interface detects operationscarried out on the controls 13P through 18P for control over sources,programs and others resources. The user's operations detected by theseunits are reported to the controller 33. With such components in place,the vehicle-mounted apparatus 1 executes operation switchovers inresponse to the operations performed on the controls 13P through 18P onthe side of the display screen 11, on the touch-sensitive panel 39 onthe display screen 11, or on the remote commander 40.

The remote commander 40 is furnished with controls equivalent to thoseon the vehicle-mounted apparatus 1 such as the controls 13P through 18P,as well as to menu-based scrolls on the display screen 11. When any ofits controls is manipulated, the remote commander 40 outputs acorresponding infrared remote control signal.

(1-2) Controller

The controller 33 is an arithmetic processing device. In response to theoperations on the remote commander 35 or on other controls followingtheir detection through the input unit 38, the controller 33 executesrelevant programs held on the hard disk drive 35. This permits executionof navigation-related processing reflecting the user's operations andpresents the user with various kinds of content.

More specifically, when the user gives instructions to receive TVbroadcasts, the controller 33 forwards the instructions through theinterfaces 26 and 25 to the tuner unit 23 and causes the tuner to switchreceived channels as instructed by the user. The video and audio datathus received by the tuner unit 23 is input through the interface 26.The video data is displayed on the display unit 37 while the audio datais output to the car audio equipment 28 via the output unit 27. In thismanner, TV broadcast content is provided to the user.

If the user gives instructions to reproduce video content from the harddisk drive 35, the controller 33 causes the hard disk drive 35 toreproduce relevant video content files. In the same manner as when TVbroadcasts are received, the video and audio data output from the harddisk drive 35 is provided to the user. If the user gives instructions toreproduce audio content from the hard disk drive 35, the controller 33likewise causes the hard disk drive 35 to output relevant audio datathrough the output unit 27. If the user instructs items of content to beswitched during the reproduction, the corresponding files are switchedupon retrieval from the hard disk drive 35, and the relevant processesare repeated.

If the user gives instructions to display a map, the controller 33acquires current position information from the GPS unit 22, loadsrelevant map data from the hard disk drive 35 based on the acquiredinformation, and causes the display unit 37 to display the map using theloaded map data. If the user gives instructions to watch or listen tocontent through the auxiliary input, the controller 33 controls theoptical disk drive 24 through the interface 26 so as to acquire videoand audio content data from the drive 24. The video and audio contentdata thus obtained is processed by the applicable components beforebeing provided, to the user. The acquired content may be recorded to thehard disk drive 35 if so instructed by the user.

If instructions are given to browse websites on the Internet, thecontroller 33 starts up browser software causing the communication unit34 to connect to the Internet. Following data acquisition via thecommunication unit 34, video data is displayed on the display unit 37and audio data is output through the output unit 27. If instructions aregiven to handle electronic mail, the controller 33 starts up a mailer toget electronic mail displayed on the display unit 37 upon retrieval fromthe hard disk drive 35 or to acquire such mail through the communicationunit 34. Electronic mail entered by the user is accepted and transmittedto its destination through the communication unit 34.

Given instructions to view still images, the controller 33 accesseseither the memory card 32 or the hard disk drive 35 through theinterface 31 so as to acquire the relevant still image files, and causesthe acquired photo files to be displayed on the display unit 37.Depending on the user's instructions, the still image files may beexchanged between the memory card 32 and the hard disk drive 35 or maybe deleted from these components.

If the user gives instructions to start navigation processing, thecontroller 33 receives destination and other related information fromthe user, obtains current position information from the GPS unit 22, andinitiates route searches based on the acquired information. Thecontroller 33, having detected an appropriate route to the destination,causes diverse kinds of information to be output as specified by theuser for guidance.

In the above processing, the controller 33 displays relevant menus inresponse to the user's operations on the remote commander 40 or on thetouch-sensitive panel 39 in order to accept instructions from the user.FIG. 3 is a plan view of a program menu screen displayed on thetouch-sensitive panel 39 of the display screen 11 under control of thecontroller 33. The program menu screen of FIG. 3 provides a menusuitable for operations on the touch-sensitive panel 39. In addition tothe touch-sensitive menu screen, the embodiment provides a program menuscreen for use with the remote commander 40. This program menu screenprovides functional providing which are equivalent to those of thetouch-sensitive menu screen but which are adapted specifically to theoperations of the remote commander 40. If the user's operation givinginstructions to display the program menu screen is interpreted asinvolving the use of the touch-sensitive panel 39, the controller 33causes the touch— sensitive program menu screen to be displayed; if theuser's operation giving instructions to display the program menu screenis found involving the use of the remote commander 40, then thecontroller 33 causes the program menu screen for use with the remotecommander 40 to be displayed.

The program menu screen permits selection of content items to beprovided to the user. As such, the menu screen shows applications thatmay be selected for use with the vehicle-mounted apparatus 1. In thisexample, the program menu screen includes: a menu option M1 forreceiving TV broadcasts, a menu option M2 for reproducing video contentfrom the hard disk drive 35, a menu option M3 for reproducing audiocontent from the hard disk drive 35, a menu option M4 for displayingmaps, a menu option M5 for reproducing content through the auxiliaryinput, a menu option M6 for starting up the browser for browsingwebsites on the Internet, a menu option M7 for processing electronicmail, and a menu option M8 for instructing a process of still images.The program menu screen also includes a menu option M11 that may beselected to go back to the immediately preceding state of the menuscreen.

On the program menu screen for use with the touch-sensitive panel 39,the menu options M1 through M8 for selecting applications are all inboxes of the same size, with the exception of the menu M11. The menuoptions M1 through M8 carry no cursors representative of a focus, andare neatly arranged on display so that the user watching the screen mayfeel ready to select any of them by operating the touch-sensitive panel39. When any one of the menu options M1 through M8 on the program menuscreen is selected by the user operating the touch-sensitive panel 39,the controller 33 causes all components involved to carry out therelevant process. If the user operates the menu option M11 on theprogram menu screen, the controller 33 switches to the immediatelypreceding display.

The program menu screen for use with the remote commander 40, on theother hand, has the same menu option layout as that shown in FIG. 3 butis adapted to the operations of the remote commander 40. When the useroperates on this program menu screen, the controller 33 switches focusesin response to the user's operations. The controller 33 also carries outthe application related to the currently focused menu option whileproviding overall performance control.

It might happen that the program menu screen is taken over by the sourcecontrol 13P on the control panel or by a corresponding key on the remotecommander 40. In such a case, the controller 33 also starts upselectively the application program relative to the menu option M1, M2or M3. At this point, the controller 33 references the most recentsettings in what may be called a last-state memory in selectivelyactivating the application program associated with the menu option M1,M2 or M3. For example, if a TV program was being watched when power waslast turned off, then operating the source control 13P or its equivalentremote commander key causes the TV broadcast in question to startgetting received again. If one of such controls is again operated whilethe application program relative to one of the menu options M1, M2 andM3 is being executed, the ongoing program is halted and anotherapplication program associated with another menu option is started. Thatis, successively operating the control causes each of the applicationprograms to be activated individually and cyclically among the menuoptions M1, M2 and M3.

Similarly, it might happen that the program menu screen is taken over bythe map control 17P on the control panel or by a corresponding key onthe remote commander 40. In that case, the controller 33 also starts upselectively the application program relative to the menu option M4.

When any one of the application programs relative to the menu optionsM1, M2 and M3 is being executed, an instruction to start another of thethree application programs prompts the controller 33 to stop the ongoingprogram. By contrast, where one of the application programs associatedwith the menu options M4 through M8 is being executed, an instruction tostart another of the five application programs causes the controller 33to let the ongoing program remain active. That is, this embodimentillustratively allows navigation processing to proceed unchecked whileletting the user enjoy TV broadcasts.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a map display screen. If the menu option M4 formap display is selected on the program menu screen, or if the mapcontrol 17P on the control panel or a corresponding key on the remotecommander 40 is operated, the controller 33 displays a map showing thesurroundings of the current position. At the top of the screen, abelt-shaped area indicates information D1 relative to the map display.If the user has given instructions in advance to proceed with navigationprocessing, the belt-shaped area also displays navigation-relatedinformation.

Such advance settings are made on a hierarchically structured menuscreen in FIG. 5, displayed by operating the menu control 15P on thecontrol panel or a corresponding key on the remote commander 40. On thisdisplay screen, the top layer menu options for destination entry aredisplayed on the left. Selecting one of the top layer menu optionscauses a corresponding lower layer menu to be displayed at the center.When one-of the center menu options is selected, a correspondingstill-lower layer menu is displayed on the right. FIG. 4 shows a typicalstate attained when a “location” option is selected in the top layermenu, followed by the selection of a “genre” option in the correspondinglower layer menu. When these menu options are selected in thehierarchically structured menu, the controller 33 accepts entry of agiven destination, searches for a suitable route from the currentposition to the specified destination, and provides the user withrelevant guidance until the destination is reached.

When the menu screen is displayed by operating the menu control 15P andwhen suitable menu options are selected in the top to lower menu layers,the vehicle-mounted apparatus 1 allows the user to specify whether ornot to display the belt-shaped area and to designate a two-screendisplay, the split ratio for the two-screen display, 2-D or 3-D mapdisplay, and other map-related display settings. The display example inFIG. 4 applies to a case where navigation processing is being executedbased on the menu screen settings.

The controller 33 indicates the scale of the currently displayed map inthe leftmost position of the belt-shaped area at the top of the mapdisplay screen. Also indicated in that area, side by side with thecurrent time of day, is the currently established reception frequency atwhich to receive traffic information from VICS. Shown further to theright is navigation-related information including the distance to thedestination and an estimated time of arrival. Also indicated is currentposition information made up of a crossing mark and an address of thecurrent location. Where navigation processing is not specified, thebelt-shaped area does not indicate any navigation-related information.

In the manner described, the controller 33 displays information D1related to map display. If the scale indication (shown as “100 km”) istouched on the touch-sensitive panel 39, the controller 33 displays aswitchable scale menu option MM1, a large-scale menu option MM2, and asmall-scale menu option MM3. If the scale menu option MM1 is selected byoperation of the touch-sensitive panel 39, scales for map display areswitched. If the large-scale or small-scale menu option MM2 or MM3 isselected, the scale in effect is changed in increments of the setting tothe scale menu MM1. That is, the controller 33, having displayedrelevant menu options reflecting the operation on the touch-sensitivepanel 39, varies the scale for map display as instructed. By contrast,if the remote commander 40 is operated for zoom-in or zoom-out, thecontroller 33 switches the scale in increments in the same manner aswhen the small-scale or large-scale menu option MM2 or MM3 is selected.

Suppose that with the map displayed, the user is detected drawing on thetouch-sensitive panel 39 a clockwise circular arc as indicated byreference character A in FIG. 7B 2. In this case, the controller 33enlarges the scale of map display for switchover from FIG. 7A to FIG.7C, as when the scale menu option MM1 is selected followed by selectionof the large-scale menu option MM3 for enlarged map display. If the useris detected drawing a circular arc counterclockwise on the screen asindicated by reference character B in FIG. 7B 1, then the controller 33reduces the scale of map display for switchover from FIG. 7C to FIG. 7A,as when the scale menu option MM1 is selected followed by selection ofthe small-scale menu option MM2 for reduced-scale map display. Apartfrom menu-based operations, the controller 33 thus allows the user tochange the scale of map display by operating the touch-sensitive panel39 in an intuitive manner, which enhances the user's ease of operation.When the map scale is varied through detection of the fingertip locus,the controller 33 displays the scale menu options MM2 and MM3 ondifferent scales for a predetermined time period, not shown in any ofFIGS. 7, 7B1, 7B2 and 7C. This arrangement is intended to retain displayconsistency with the menu-based scale change so that the user will notbe confused.

When the user is detected drawing a rectangular locus on thetouch-sensitive panel 39 as indicated by reference character C in FIG.8A, the controller 33 displays on the current map a child screencentering on the approximate center of the rectangular locus. If a 2-Dmap is currently displayed by the controller 33 executing only themap-related application program, then a 3-D map is shown in the childscreen. Conversely, if a 3-D map is currently displayed by thecontroller 33 executing only the map-related application program, then a2-D map is shown in the child screen. If the controller 33 isconcurrently executing a video content-related application programillustratively for TV broadcast reception, a display associated with theongoing program is shown in the child screen. Two-dimensional (2-D)display unit an ordinary plan-view display of land given when the landis viewed directly from above, while three-dimensional (3-D) displaysignifies a bird's-eye view display of land in effect when the land isviewed from a viewpoint high enough to recognize the undulations ofroads and different heights of buildings.

If the child screen is to be displayed by operation of menu options, itinvolves displaying the hierarchically structured menu screen such asthat of FIG. 5 to let the user select the top to lower-level menuoptions. As indicated above, such hierarchically structured menuoperations may be replaced by the user's drawing of suitable loci on thetouch-sensitive panel 39 to input an approximate external shape of thechild screen desired to be used.

If the user is detected drawing a rectangular locus, the operation isinterpreted as the input of a rectangle-shaped child screen. That is theuser's gesture entered through the touch-sensitive panel 39 to requestdisplay of a specific child screen. Given such a fingertip gesture ontothe touch-sensitive panel 39, this embodiment provides the same displayswitchover as when the menu screen is displayed and suitable menuoptions are selected, whereby the user's ease of operation is improved.Gestures are made by the user employing his or her fingertips or someother suitable object to draw loci on the touch-sensitive panel 39. Inthe above example, the user's gesture has resulted in the switching ofdisplays on the screen.

With a child screen displayed, the user may be detected drawing on thetouch-sensitive panel 39 a locus going out of the display area of thedisplay screen 11 showing the parent or child screen, as indicated byreference characters D1, D2, D3 and D4 in FIG. 8B. In such cases,display of the applicable parent or child screen is discontinued. Whenthe parent screen display is stopped, the child screen is displayed allover the screen. If the application program for displaying the parentscreen is not the same as the application program for display of thechild screen, then the application program whose window is discontinuedis allowed to run in the background.

Where display of the parent or child screen is to be discontinued byoperating relevant menu options in the foregoing case, this embodimentwould also involve the user carrying out the hierarchically structuredmenu operations as discussed above with reference to FIG. 5.Alternatively, the discontinuation of the display is accomplished by theuser drawing on the display screen 11 a locus going out of the displayarea for the parent or child screen. This is a fingertip gesture thatmay be regarded as one for removing the touched parent or child screenfrom the display screen. The embodiment thus allows the user to executeintuitively the display switchover as envisaged by the user, with asimple fingertip gesture entered through the touch-sensitive panel 39whereby the user's ease of operation is enhanced. This gesture by theuser designates a display transition on the display screen.

Suppose now that with a child screen displayed, the user is detecteddrawing on the touch-sensitive panel 39 a locus going from the childscreen into the parent screen as indicated by reference character E1 inFIG. 8B, or from the parent screen into the child screen as indicated byreference character E2. In this case, the controller 33 switches what isbeing displayed between the parent screen and the child screen, as shownin FIG. 8C in contrast to FIG. 8B.

Where display of the parent or child screen is to be discontinued byoperating relevant menu options in the foregoing case, this embodimentwould also involve the user carrying out the hierarchically structuredmenu operations as discussed above with reference to FIG. 5. The locusdrawn by the user from the child screen into the parent screenrepresents the user's intention to bring by fingertips what is beingdisplayed from the child screen into the parent screen; the locus drawnconversely from the parent screen into the child screen denotes theuser's intention to move by fingertips what is being displayed from theparent screen into the child screen. These are fingertip gestures thatmay be regarded as ones for switching what is being displayed betweenthe parent screen and the child screen. The embodiment thus allows theuser to execute intuitively the display switchover as envisaged by theuser, with simple fingertip gestures entered through the touch-sensitivepanel 39 whereby the user's ease of operation is improved. Thesegestures by the user result in the desired display transitions on thedisplay screen.

Suppose that with a 2-D parent screen alone displayed, the user isdetected drawing on the touch-sensitive panel 39 a locus representing anumeral “3” as shown in FIG. 9B 2. In that case, the current 2-D displayis replaced by a 3-D display as shown in FIG. 9C in contrast to FIG. 9A.It might also happen that with a 3-D parent screen alone displayed, theuser is detected drawing on the touch-sensitive screen 39 a locusdenoting a numeral “2” as indicated in FIG. 9B 1. In this case, thecurrent 3-D display is replaced by a 2-D display as shown in FIG. 9A incontrast to FIG. 9C.

Where the above display switchover is to be performed by operatingsuitable menu options, this embodiment would also involve the usercarrying out the hierarchically structured menu operations as discussedabove with reference to FIG. 5. Alternatively, the display switchover isaccomplished by the user drawing on the touch-sensitive panel 39 theappropriate numerals requesting 2-D or 3-D display. These are fingertipgestures that may be regarded as ones replacing the corresponding menuoptions. The embodiment thus allows the user to execute intuitively thedisplay switchover as envisaged by the user, with simple fingertipgestures entered through the touch-sensitive panel 39 whereby the user'sease of operation is enhanced. These gestures by the user result in thedesired display switchovers on the display screen.

Suppose that with the parent screen alone displayed, the user isdetected drawing on the touch-sensitive panel 39 a locus of asubstantially straight line from the approximate center of the screentoward its outer frame, the user being detected keeping a press onto thepanel surface at the end of the locus, as indicated by referencecharacter F in FIG. 10B. In that case, the displayed map is scrolled inthe direction of the locus as shown in FIG. 10C in contrast to FIG. 10A.The controller 33 keeps the display scrolled as long as the usermaintains the press on the touch-sensitive panel 39.

In the case above, the locus entered by the user through thetouch-sensitive panel 39 is interpreted as a gesture for requestingmovement of the viewpoint. The embodiment thus allows the user toexecute intuitively the display switchover as envisaged by the user,with a simple fingertip gesture entered through the touch-sensitivepanel 39 whereby the user's ease of operation is boosted.

With the parent screen alone displayed, the user may be detected drawingon the touch-sensitive panel 39 a locus of a straight line approximatelysplitting the screen into the right-hand and left-hand half, asindicated by reference character G in FIG. 11B. In that case, the screenis divided in two, with the right-hand half displaying a map as shown inFIG. 11C in contrast to FIG. 11A. The left-hand half of the screen givestraffic information which, in the example of FIG. 11C, successivelyindicates landmarks along the route.

Where the above display switchover is to be performed by operatingsuitable menu options, this embodiment would also involve the usercarrying out the hierarchically structured menu operations as discussedabove with reference to FIG. 5. Alternatively, the split-window displayis accomplished by the user drawing on the touch-sensitive panel 39 thesuitable fingertip locus which requests division of the window and whichreplaces the corresponding menu options. The embodiment thus allows theuser to execute intuitively the display switchover as envisaged by theuser, with a simple fingertip gesture entered through thetouch-sensitive panel 39 whereby the user's ease of operation isimproved.

It might happen that with both the parent and the child screensdisplayed, the controller 33 detects in either window the clockwise orcounterclockwise circular locus as discussed above with reference toFIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C, or the scroll-prompting locus as described withreference to FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C. In such cases, the controller 33changes the scale of the map or scrolls the display in the applicablewindow. This is another feature adding to the user's ease of operation.

FIG. 12A is a plan view of a main screen associated with the menu optionM2 about the video displayed by such instructions. The controller 33displays a content image over the entire screen except for a belt-shapedarea at the bottom of the screen. At this point, the controller 33reproduces content from where it was last turned off for the user'sbenefit, by referencing the reproduction settings in the so-calledlast-state memory with regard to the most-recently reproduced file inconnection with the menu option M2. The vehicle-mounted apparatus 1 thusallows the user to enjoy the desired content simply from where it waslast turned off.

At the bottom of the screen is the belt-shaped display area indicating anumber of menu options related to the current application along withinformation about the image being displayed. The belt-shaped displayarea is called the control bar hereunder. More specifically, the controlbar B1 shows in its leftmost position an “OFF” menu option M21 thatdoubles as an end key and a back key. When the “OFF” menu option M21 isoperated on the touch-sensitive panel 39, the controller 33 terminatesthis application and switches to the touch-sensitive program menuscreen. To the right of the menu option M21 on the control bar B1 is acontent title, i.e., attribute information about the currently displayedcontent. Other menu options are shown right-justified on the control barB1.

These menu options include a “rewind” menu option M22, a “back to thepreceding chapter” menu option M23, a “play/stop switchover” menu optionM24, a “go to the next chapter” menu option M25, a “fast-forward” menuoption M26, a “list display” menu option M27, and a “control bar on/off”menu option M28, arranged in that order from left to right on thecontrol bar B1. The controller 33 accepts any of the menu options M21through M28 selected by the user operating the touch-sensitive panel 39or the remote commander 40 for focus switching. When any menu option isselected, the controller 33 controls the relevant components in a waythat accomplishes what is specified by the user.

Suppose that the user has selected the menu option M27 for list displayfrom among the menu options M21 through M28 under control of thecontroller 33. In such a case, the controller 33 switches the entiredisplay to a list menu screen shown in FIG. 12B. This list menu screenlists content items selectable by the user. At the top of the screen isa title that identifies the current application. To the right of thetitle is a menu option M275 for making various settings regarding thisapplication. On the left-hand side of the screen are a “back” menuoption M271, a “cabinets” menu option M272, a “playlists” menu optionM273, and a “video capsules” menu option M274. The “cabinets” menuoption M272 for listing so-called folders, when selected, gives a listof selectable folders to the right. The “playlists” menu option M273,when selected, gives a list of selectable content items in the foldercurrently selected from inside the selectable folder list. Theselectable content item list is displayed on the right when the menuoption M273 is selected. The “video capsules” menu option M274 is usedto designate display of a thumbnail image of any one of the contentitems being listed on display.

In the middle of the list menu screen is an area allocated to display athumbnail image. If the “video capsules” menu option M274 is notselected, this area displays the currently reproduced content. To theright of the thumbnail display area on the list screen appearlower-layer menu options corresponding to the upper-layer menu optionsM271 through M274 located on the left. More specifically, a list ofcontent items and folders is shown corresponding to the user-selectedmenu option from among the options M271 through M274. Immediately afterthe list screen is turned on, a list appears which includes the menu ofthe content item being reproduced at present. The list display isconstituted by content titles and by the names of the folders involved.The example of FIG. 12B shows a list of content items associated withthe “playlists” menu option M273.

If not all selectable content items and folders can be included in thelist display area, hidden content items or folders may be scrolled intoview. The directions in which scrolls are available are indicated byarrows on the left-hand side of the list. In the example of FIG. 12B, anupward-directed arrow and a downward-directed arrow are shown,indicating that the content list may be scrolled up or down for moreavailable items that are currently hidden from view.

In the case above, the controller 33 displays a scroll bar B2 to theright of the list display, as well as menu options MU and MD at the topand the bottom of the scroll bar B2 indicating the availability ofupward and downward scrolls respectively. At the bottom of this listdisplay, the control bar B1 appears. In the list thus displayed, thecurrently focused menu option is shown slightly projected to the left.

When any one of the menu options M271 through M275 or of the menuoptions on the control bar B1 is selected by the user through thetouch-sensitive panel 39, the controller 33 causes the relevantcomponents to change the list display accordingly. More specifically,when the user selects one of the items on the list display via thetouch-sensitive panel 39, the controller 33 sets the user-selectedcontent item for reproduction and returns to the initial display screen(FIG. 12A). At this point, if the “video capsules” menu option M274 isbeing selected by the user, a still image of the user-selected contentitem is displayed in the thumbnail display area. If the user proceeds tooperate on the thumbnail display area or to select the same content itemagain on the touch-sensitive panel 39, the controller 33 sets theuser-selected content item for reproduction and returns to the initialdisplay screen. If the user performs similar operations on thetouch-sensitive panel 39, the controller 33 displays a list of contentitems retrieved from the user-selected folder provided the “playlists”menu option M273 is selected.

If operation of the menu option MU or MD on the scroll bar B2 isdetected on the content selection screen, the list display is scrolledaccordingly. Specifically, operating the menu option MU for upwardscroll causes the list display to scroll up; operating the menu optionMD for downward scroll causes the list display to scroll down. If a dragoperation on the scroll bar B2 is detected on the touch-sensitive panel39 as indicated by an arrow H, the list display is scrolled in thedirection of the drag. As described, even when upper-layer andlower-layer menu options are displayed concurrently so that not all menuoptions can be accommodated in a single window, desired menu options canstill be reached and selected unfailingly. With the available screensize limited on the vehicle-mounted apparatus 1, a growing number ofcontent items may not be contained within a single display at a time. Insuch a case, the ability to scroll the display as desired contributes toimproving the user's ease of operation.

On the list display above, the controller 33 gives a display of the menuoption shown slightly projected to the left (i.e., focused option). Wheninstructions are given to scroll the list display, the controller 33causes the focused menu to scroll in keeping with the list display beingscrolled. Thus when the number of content items available for display islimited, the controller 33 may stop list display scroll and concentrateinstead on focus scroll.

On the vehicle-mounted apparatus 1, as described above, thetouch-sensitive panel 39 or the remote commander 40 is operated by theuser keeping track of the hierarchically structured menu options so asto reach the desired content item. The content item thus selected isretrieved from the video content items stored on the hard disk drive 35and reproduced for the user's enjoyment.

Suppose now that on the video content display screen discussed above inreference to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the user is detected drawing on thetouch-sensitive panel 39 an upward-directed straight-line locusindicated by reference character A1 in FIG. 13. In that case, thecontroller 33 switches from the current content item to the next item onthe content list display for reproduction. Conversely, if the user isdetected drawing a downward-directed straight-line locus as indicated byreference character A2, then the controller 33 switches the currentcontent item to the immediately preceding item on the content displaylist for reproduction. Alternatively, the user may draw a left-to-rightstraight-line locus crossing the middle of the screen as indicated byreference character B1, which may be interpreted as the instruction toswitch to the next content item for reproduction. The user may also drawa right-to-left straight-line locus crossing the middle of the screen asindicated by reference character B2, which may be interpreted as theinstruction to switch to the immediately preceding content item forreproduction.

Where the content display switchover above is to be performed byoperating suitable menu options, this embodiment would also involve theuser carrying out the hierarchically structured menu operations asdiscussed above with reference to FIG. 5. Alternatively, the displayswitchover is accomplished by the user drawing on the touch-sensitivepanel 39 the suitable fingertip loci for moving the menu forward orbackward. In this case, too, the embodiment allows the user to executeintuitively the desired display switchover, with simple fingertipgestures entered through the touch-sensitive panel 39 whereby the user'sease of operation is enhanced.

Suppose that on the video content display screen, the user is detecteddrawing on the touch-sensitive panel 39 a rightward-directed shortstraight-line locus on the right-hand half of the screen, as indicatedby reference character C1 in FIG. 15. In this case, the controller 33switches content reproduction to slow-motion reproduction. If the useris detected drawing a rightward-directed long straight-line locus on theright-hand half of the screen, as indicated by reference character C2 inFIG. 15, the controller 33 switches content reproduction to fast-forwardreproduction. If the user is detected drawing a leftward-directed shortstraight-line locus on the left-hand half of the screen, as indicated byreference character C3 in FIG. 15, the controller 33 switches contentreproduction to slow-motion reverse reproduction. If the user isdetected drawing a leftward-directed long straight-line locus on theleft-hand half of the screen, as indicated by reference character C4 inFIG. 15, the controller 33 switches content reproduction to fast-reversereproduction.

Where the above-described content reproduction switchovers are to beeffected by performing relevant menu option operations, the control barB1 would have to be used. However, the control bar B1 may not be ondisplay because the menu option M28 may have been operated to turn offthe control bar display. In that case, the control bar B1 needs to bedisplayed again before the menu options can be selected. By contrast,when the user draws the appropriate loci on the touch-sensitive panel 39for input, the direction of each locus-drawing gesture is interpreted tomean forward or reverse reproduction, and the length of the locus isinterpreted to signify the high or low speed of reproduction. Theembodiment thus allows the user to specify the desired speed anddirection of video content through the input of intuitively performedfingertip gestures on the touch-sensitive panel 39. This alsocontributes to improving the user's ease of operation.

Suppose that while content is being reproduced forward or in reverse athigh or low speed on the video content display screen as describedabove, the user is detected applying pressure for at least apredetermined time period onto a fixed point on the touch-sensitivepanel 39. In that case, the controller 33 switches content reproductionto normal reproduction. The embodiment thus allows the user to specifythe desired display switchover through the input of an intuitivelyperformed fingertip gesture onto the touch-sensitive panel 39. Thiscontributes to enhancing the user's ease of operation.

By contrast, the user may be detected applying pressure for apredetermined time period or longer onto a fixed point on thetouch-sensitive panel 39 while content is being reproduced normally. Inthis case, the controller 33 displays the menu screen shown in FIG. 12B.

Suppose that with the video content display in effect, the user isdetected drawing on the touch-sensitive panel 39 a clockwise circulararc locus as indicated by reference character D1 in FIG. 16. In thiscase, the controller 33 turns off display of the control bar B1 andcauses the content image to appear magnified. If the user is detecteddrawing another clockwise circular arc locus on the touch-sensitivepanel 39, the content image is shown magnified in such a manner that thehorizontal direction of the content display turns into the horizontaldirection of the display screen. Conversely, if the user is detecteddrawing a counterclockwise circular arc locus as indicated by referencecharacter D2, the controller 33 gradually reduces the magnification ofthe image display in contrast to the case where clockwise circular lociare drawn.

The embodiment thus allows the user to specify the desired displayswitchover through the input of intuitively performed fingertip gesturesonto the touch-sensitive panel 39. This further contributes to improvingthe user's ease of operation.

Suppose now that with the program menu screen in effect, the user hasselected the menu option M1 for designating reception of TV broadcasts.In that case, as in the example described above with reference to FIGS.12A and 12B, the content and control bar displays are made in keepingwith the most-recent settings in the last-state memory. TV broadcastcontent items may also be switched as instructed by the user. In thiscase, the control bar gives menu options used to change channels up ordown and to display a list of available content items based on anelectronic program guide (EPG), along with a current content title. Theavailable content items are listed on the basis of the electronicprogram guide acquired through the communication unit 34. Duringreception of TV broadcasts, the display screen is structured in the samemanner as the above-described display screen for displaying videocontent. For that reason, TV broadcast reception is discussed below withreference to FIGS. 12A through 16 as needed.

In displaying TV broadcasts, the controller 33 displays the control baron/off menu option in response to the user's operations on thetouch-sensitive panel 39 or remote commander 40. Depending on thesettings of the on/off menu option or on the menu operations performedon the menu screen, the controller 33 turns off the control bar display.The controller 33 may further change channels up or down or seek outreceivable channels in accordance with the operations on the controlbar.

Suppose that during TV broadcast reception, the user is detected drawingon the touch-sensitive panel 39 an upward-directed straight-line locusindicated by reference character A1 in FIG. 13. In this case, thecontroller 33 moves channels up. Conversely, if the user is detecteddrawing a downward-directed straight-line locus as indicated byreference character A2, then the controller 33 moves channels down.Alternatively, the user may draw a left-to-right straight-line locuscrossing the middle of the screen as indicated by reference characterB1, which may be interpreted as the instruction to change channels up.The user may also draw a right-to-left straight-line locus crossing themiddle of the screen as indicated by reference character B2, which maybe interpreted as the instruction to change channels down.

Where the above-described received channel switchover is to be effectedby performing relevant menu option operations, the control bar B1 wouldhave to be used. However, the control bar B1 may not be on displaybecause it may have been turned off. In that case, the control bar B1needs to be displayed again before the menu options can be selected.Alternatively, the user may draw the appropriate loci on thetouch-sensitive panel 39 for input, thereby changing channels up or downfor TV broadcast reception. The embodiment thus allows the user tospecify the desired display switchover through the input of intuitivelymade fingertip gestures on the touch-sensitive panel 39. This alsocontributes to enhancing the user's ease of operation.

Suppose that on the received TV broadcast display screen, the user isdetected drawing on the touch-sensitive panel 39 a rightward-directedshort straight-line locus on the right-hand half of the screen, asindicated by reference character C1 in FIG. 15, or a rightward-directedlong straight-line locus on the right-hand half of the screen, asindicated by reference character C2. In such cases, the controller 33performs a channel seek process to capture receivable channels by movingchannels up. Conversely, if the user is detected drawing aleftward-directed short straight-line locus on the left-hand half of thescreen, as indicated by reference character C3 in FIG. 15, or aleftward-directed long straight-line locus on the left-hand half of thescreen, as indicated by reference character C4, the controller 33carries out the channel seek process to detect receivable channels bymoving channels down.

Where the above-described channel seek process is to be designated andexecuted by performing relevant menu option operations, the control barB1 would have to be used. However, the control bar B1 may not be ondisplay because it may have been turned off. In that case, the controlbar B1 needs to be displayed again before the menu options can be:selected. Alternatively, the user may draw the appropriate loci on thetouch-sensitive panel 39 for input, thereby changing channels up or downto seek for receivable TV broadcast channels. The embodiment thus allowsthe user to specify the desired display switchover through the input ofintuitively made fingertip gestures on the touch-sensitive panel 39.This also adds to the user's ease of operation.

When the menu option M8 for dealing with still images is selected on theprogram menu screen, the controller 33 displays thumbnail images S ofstill images in matrix as shown in FIG. 17. If there are too many stillimages to be accommodated in a single screen, the right-hand and bottomedges of the screen indicate scroll bars together with bar operationmenu options.

On the thumbnail display screen, the controller 33 highlights thefocused thumbnail image by bordering it with thick lines. When focus isswitched from one thumbnail to another by the user operating thetouch-sensitive panel 39 or remote commander 40, the controller 33accepts the user's selection for focus change. Specifically, focus ischanged when drag operations are detected on the scroll bars asindicated by reference characters E1 and E2. If not all thumbnail imagesS can be displayed within a single screen, then focus is switched fromone image to another by scrolling the thumbnails in matrix. Thisarrangement makes it possible to select the desired still image easilyand reliably. With the available screen size limited on thevehicle-mounted apparatus 1, a growing number of content items may notbe contained within a single display at a time. In such a case, theability to scroll thumbnail images as described above contributes toimproving the user's ease of operation.

If the user is detected drawing on the touch-sensitive panel 39 anupward-directed straight-line locus as indicated by reference characterF1 in FIG. 18, the controller 33 moves focus upward. If there are toomany thumbnail images S to be included within a single screen, focus ismoved upward by scrolling down the thumbnail images in matrix.Conversely, if the user is detected drawing on the touch-sensitive panel39 a downward-directed straight-line locus as indicated by referencecharacter F2, the controller 33 moves focus downward. If there are toomany thumbnail images S to be included within a single screen, focus ismoved downward by scrolling up the thumbnail images in matrix. If theuser is detected drawing on the touch-sensitive panel 39 arightward-directed or leftward-directed straight-line locus as indicatedby reference characters F3 and F4, then the controller 33 moves thefocus rightward or leftward. If there are too many thumbnail images S tobe included within a single screen, focus is moved right or left byscrolling the thumbnail images in matrix in the crosswise direction.

Where the above-described focus change is to be effected by scrollingthe display, the scroll bars may be used. Alternatively, the user maydraw the appropriate loci on the touch-sensitive panel 39 for input,thereby changing the display in the desired directions. The embodimentthus allows the user to specify the desired display switchover throughthe input of intuitively made fingertip gestures on the touch-sensitivepanel 39. This also contributes to improving the user's ease ofoperation.

When one of the displayed thumbnail images is selected as describedabove, the controller 33 displays the corresponding still image. Stillphoto display may be carried out using the control bar menu optionsdisplayed simultaneously, as in the example discussed above withreference to FIGS. 12A and 12B. For that reason, how still image displaytakes place is discussed below with reference to FIGS. 13, 15 and otherfigures in conjunction with FIGS. 12A and 12B. The controller 33 changesthe photo being displayed in response to the user's control baroperations.

In the case above, if the user is detected drawing on thetouch-sensitive panel 39 an upward-directed straight-line locusindicated by reference character A1 in FIG. 13, then the controller 33calls up, as the object for display, the still image of a thumbnailimage in a row above the thumbnail image of the currently displayedstill image in the thumbnail image display in matrix. Conversely, if theuser is detected drawing on the touch-sensitive panel 39 adownward-directed straight-line locus indicated by reference characterA2 in FIG. 13, the controller 33 calls up as the object for display thestill image of a thumbnail image in a row below the thumbnail image ofthe currently displayed still image in the thumbnail image display inmatrix. If the user is detected drawing on the touch-sensitive panel 39a rightward-directed or leftward-directed straight-line locus asindicated by reference characters C1 and C3 in FIG. 15, then thecontroller 33 calls up as the object for display the still image of athumbnail image in a column to the right or left of the thumbnail imageof the currently displayed still image in the thumbnail image display inmatrix. If the user is detected drawing on the touch-sensitive panel 39a clockwise or counterclockwise circular arc locus as indicated byreference characters D1 and D2 in FIG. 16, the controller 33 magnifiesor reduces the still image being displayed.

Such display switchovers may also be accomplished by carrying outrelevant control bar operations. However, if the control bar has beenturned off, it needs to be displayed again before the menu options canbe selected. By contrast, when the user draws the appropriate loci onthe touch-sensitive panel 39 for input, the locus-drawing gestures areinterpreted to mean the above-described display switchovers in differentdirections as well as display magnification and reduction. Theembodiment thus allows the user to specify the desired displayswitchovers through the input of intuitively made fingertip gestures onthe touch-sensitive panel 39. This also contributes to enhancing theuser's ease of operation.

When the menu option M5 for reproducing content through the auxiliaryinput, the menu option M6 for starting up the browser for browsingwebsites on the Internet, or the menu option M7 for processingelectronic mail is selected, the controller 33 displays thecorresponding display screen along with the control bar. The controller33 then accepts control bar operations by the user having selected thedesired menu option.

In the case above, the user may also be detected drawing the lociindicated by reference characters C1 and C3 in FIG. 15 or the lociindicated by reference characters A1 and A2 in FIG. 13. The controller33 then switches the displayed pages accordingly. When readingelectronic mail or browsing websites, the user is thus allowed to enterintuitively made fingertip gestures through the touch-sensitive panel 39to accomplish the display switchovers as envisaged by the user. Thisalso adds to the user's ease of operation.

If the user selects the menu option M3 for reproducing audio content,the controller 33 causes the display screen of FIG. 19 to appear. Withthis screen on display, the controller 33 retrieves and reproduces audiocontent from the hard disk drive 35 in keeping with the settings in thelast-state memory for the user's enjoyment. In the belt-like region atthe top of the display screen, the controller 33 displays the title ofthe audio content being provided to the user. On the left-hand side ofthe screen are a “back” menu option M31, a “tune names” menu option M32,a “genres” menu option M33, an “artists” menu option M34, a “playlists”menu option M35, and an “albums” menu option M36 arranged from the topdown, in that order. The audio content items recorded on the hard diskdrive 35 are categorized illustratively by tune name, genre, artist,play list, and album title. When the user selects any one of the menuoptions M32 through M36 corresponding to these categories, thecontroller 33 gives a list of the audio content items grouped by theuser-specified attribute and available from the hard disk drive 35.

In the middle of the display screen are display fields related toartists, album titles, and other categories associated with the user'sselection. Shown on the right-hand side area is a list of availablecontent items in the currently selected category. If not all selectablecontent items can be accommodated in the list display area, thecontroller 33 allows the list display to scroll in the directionsindicated by arrows to the left of the list. The example of FIG. 19shows an upward arrow and a downward arrow, indicating that more contentitems are hidden from view outside the display area in the verticaldirection. In this case, the controller 33 displays the scroll bar B2 tothe right of the list display, as well as menu options BU and BD at thetop and the bottom of the scroll bar B2 indicating the availability ofupward and downward scrolls respectively. At the bottom of this listdisplay, the control bar B1 appears. In the list thus displayed, thecurrently focused menu option is shown slightly projected to the left.

When the user operates the menu options M31 through M36 as well as thescroll bar B2 related to the list display, the controller 33 changes thecontent item being reproduced in accordance with the user's operations,as discussed above in connection with FIG. 12B.

At the bottom of the list screen, the control bar B1 is displayed. Thecontrol bar B1 shows in its leftmost position a “visualizer” menu optionfor changing moving-picture wallpapers in the “artists” display area.Immediately to the right of the “visualizer” menu option is a menuoption for designating shuffle reproduction. On the right of the shufflemenu option is a “repeat reproduction” menu option. To the right-handside on the control bar B1 are a “rewind” menu option, a “back to thepreceding chapter” menu option, a “play/stop switchover” menu option, a“go to the next chapter” menu option, a “fast-forward” menu option, a“list display” menu option, and a “control bar on/off” menu option, laidout in that order from left to right.

Immediately after the display screen is turned on, the controller 33displays a content list about the audio content items being provided tothe user such as the title of the album in which the items in questionare included. Upon display switchover, the controller 33 may switchfocus from the current menu option on the control bar B1 to any of themenu options M31 through M36 as instructed by the user. If another menuoption is selected by the user on the control bar B1, the controller 3switches its mode to the corresponding operation.

If the user is detected drawing on the touch-sensitive panel 39 a dragoperation on the scroll bar B2 as indicated by reference character G1,the controller 33 changes focus on the list screen accordingly. If notall items of the list can be included within a single screen, thecontroller 33 changes focus by allowing the list display to scroll.

If the user is detected drawing an upward-directed locus as indicated byreference character H1, the controller 33 calls up, as the object fordisplay, the next album title, artist, or genre. Conversely, if the useris detected drawing a downward-directed locus as indicated by referencecharacter H2, the controller 33 calls up as the object for display theimmediately preceding album, artist, or genre. If a rightward-directedlocus is detected as indicated by reference character H3, the controller33 calls up the next tune as the object for reproduction. Conversely, ifa leftward-directed locus is detected as indicated by referencecharacter H4, the controller 33 calls up the immediately receding tuneas the object for reproduction.

Such audio content switchovers may be accomplished by the user drawingon the touch-sensitive panel 39 fingertip gestures intuitively forinput. This also contributes to improving the user's ease of operation.

Where the fingertip gestures above are to be accepted as input by thecontroller 33, different users are expected to draw the loci indifferent ways. In such cases, the controller 33 prompts the user toselect the tutorial menu option by keeping track of the hierarchicallystructured menu operations on the menu screen discussed above inconnection with FIG. 13 and other figures. With the tutorial displayscreen of FIG. 20 displayed, the controller 33 guides the user in thefingertip drawing of acceptable loci.

At the top of the tutorial display screen is a belt-shaped regionindicating the title of the display screen to the left. To the right ofthe title are a menu option MT1 for application program switchover inconnection with the tutorial and a menu option MT2 for ending thetutorial. When the menu option MT1 is operated repeatedly, thecontroller 33 switches cyclically the application programs correspondingto the menu options M1 through M8 on the program menu screen. When themenu option MT2 is operated, the controller 33 terminates the tutorial.

The area under the belt-shaped region at the top of the display screenis split into a left-hand and a right-hand half. The left-hand side areais a tutorial input area. The right-hand side area is divided into anupper and a lower half. The upper-half area displays diverse loci which,when drawn on the touch-sensitive panel 39, are recognized by thevehicle-mounted apparatus 1. Of the displayed loci, those not recognizedby the tutorial application program are shown at a reduced level ofbrightness. The example of FIG. 20 shows that a total of 16 loci can berecognized by the vehicle-mounted apparatus 1. The example also showsthat 14 loci are recognized by the map display application program thattakes over from the tutorial application program. On the display screen,the user may select any one of these loci. When one of the loci isselected, the lower-half area of the screen explains in text form whatis input by the selected locus. While the example of FIG. 20 shows 16loci, the display screen obviously accepts the above-describedrectangular locus as well.

On the tutorial display screen, the controller 33 accepts the user'sinput through the tutorial input area. Given such input, the controller33 switches displays in the input area. This embodiment thus allows theuser to verify how input is made through fingertip gestures.

(2) Operation of the Embodiment

When the vehicle-mounted apparatus 1 of the above-described structure(shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) is attached to the onboard cradle 2A installedinside the vehicle, the apparatus 1 is powered from the power source ofthe vehicle. Via the onboard cradle 2A, the vehicle-mounted apparatus 1is connected to the external unit 21 and car audio equipment 28 set upin the vehicle interior. The setup renders the apparatus 1 usable bypassengers of the vehicle. Operating the power switch 12 turns on thevehicle-mounted apparatus 1. The apparatus 1 then functions as a carnavigation device, as a content providing device which reproduces audioand video content from the hard disk drive 35 or displays TV broadcasts,or as a GPS unit that informs the user of the current geographicalposition of the vehicle.

The vehicle-mounted apparatus 1 used for content reproduction, currentposition verification and other purposes may be operated using theremote commander 40 or the touch-sensitive panel 39 on the displayscreen. The user's appropriate operations cause the program menu screen(FIG. 3) to appear together with menu options for selecting availableapplications. Selecting one of the menu options on the program menuscreen starts up a desired application program such as one for enjoyingTV broadcast content. It is also possible to activate a plurality ofapplications so that the user may illustratively get a map displayed andverify the current position of the vehicle while listening to music.

When applications are selected as described, the main screen of eachapplication displays the menu options for calling up the list screen forcontent selection or content reproduction and other features. Any ofthese menu options may be selected for content switchover and otheroperations by the user operating the touch-sensitive panel 39 or theremote commander 40.

However, such menu screen operations are necessarily complicated becausethey require the user to get the menu screen displayed and to selectdesired menu options. When multifunctional equipment such as thevehicle-mounted apparatus 1 is in use, the number of menu option layersinvolved tends to grow. The increased number of added operationsresulting from the boosted functionality detracts from the user's easeof operation. Even without a noticeable increase in the number of menuoption layers, growing functions entail a larger number of menu optionsworking against the user's ease in selecting some of them. Inparticular, vehicle-mounted apparatus needs to be operated precisely ina limited time period such as during a temporary stop at traffic lights.Growing complexities of onboard device operation can be detrimental tosafe driving.

Such potential flaws are circumvented by this embodiment that lets theuser change displays alternatively using fingertip gestures on thetouch-sensitive panel. A single gesture can get a menu screen displayedor have menu options switched on that menu screen. This is a significantcontribution to easing the user's inconvenience in having to memorize oractually go through complicated operating procedures. Since there is noneed to display each and every menu screen, the necessity of verifyingelaborate display screens is safely averted, whereby the user's ease ofoperation is increased. The improved ease of use of the vehicle-mountedapparatus translates into safer driving and provides passengers with acomfortable car interior environment.

When these fingertip gestures are set to effect display switchovers asenvisaged by the user, the user with little familiarity with intricateoperations of the vehicle-mounted apparatus is able to switch displayson the apparatus easily and unfailingly.

More specifically, when getting a child screen displayed, the user drawson the touch-sensitive panel 39 a rectangle-shaped locus similar to thecontour of the desired child screen. The vehicle-mounted apparatus thenproceeds to form the child screen based on the user-drawn locus fordisplay switchover (FIGS. 8A and 8B). The apparatus may also provide a2-D display, a 3-D display or a split-window display (FIGS. 9A, 9B1, 9B2and 9C; FIGS. 11A, 11B and 1C) as envisaged and instructed by the user,whereby the user's easy of operation is enhanced.

When discontinuing the child screen display or switching what isdisplayed between the child and the parent screens, the user draws onthe touch-sensitive panel 39 a locus for moving the unnecessary windowout of the screen or a locus for moving one window into the other. Thesefingertip gestures bring about the display switchover (FIGS. 8B and 8C)or changing of the viewpoint (FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C) as envisaged bythe user, whereby the user's ease of operation is improved.

Where content is being provided on the screen, the user may draw on thetouch-sensitive panel 39 suitable loci in the upward, downward,rightward, or leftward direction for switching the speed and directionof reproduction as well as for changing the content item being providedto the user (FIGS. 13 through 19), whereby the user's ease of operationis further boosted.

Suitable fingertip gestures input by the user are also accepted to callup the tutorial screen (FIG. 20). This is a screen that allows thenovice user to gain knowledge of apparatus operations with ease. This isanother ease-of-use feature for the user's benefit.

It is to be understood that while the invention has been described inconjunction with a specific embodiment with reference to theaccompanying drawings, it is evident that many alternatives,modifications and variations will become apparent to those skilled inthe art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it isintended that the present invention embrace all such alternatives,modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and scope of theappended claims.

1. A vehicle-mounted apparatus comprising: a displaying unit forproviding information to a user; a inputting unit for inputtingoperations carried out by said user; and a controlling unit forcontrolling a display of said displaying unit based on said operationsinput through said inputting unit; wherein said inputting unit has atleast a touch-sensitive panel attached to a display screen of saiddisplaying unit; and wherein said controlling unit causes saiddisplaying unit to display a menu screen based on said operations inputthrough said inputting unit, said controlling unit further causing saiddisplaying unit to switch said displays based on menus selected on saidmenu screen, said controlling unit further causing said displaying unitto switch, as when a specific menu is selected on said menu screen, saiddisplays in response to a fingertip gesture made by said user fordetection on said touch-sensitive panel.
 2. The vehicle-mountedapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said fingertip gestureconstitutes a display switchover envisaged by said user.
 3. Thevehicle-mounted apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said displayswitchover envisaged by said user is an outcome of said displays havingbeen switched on said display screen.
 4. The vehicle-mounted apparatusaccording to claim 3, wherein said display switchover envisaged by saiduser constitutes a display transition on said display screen.
 5. Thevehicle-mounted apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said displayswitchover on said display screen constitutes a map switchover.
 6. Thevehicle-mounted apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said displayswitchover on said display screen constitutes a content displayswitchover.
 7. An information providing method for use with avehicle-mounted apparatus which provides desired information to a userthrough displaying unit, said information providing method comprisingthe steps of: displaying a menu screen on said displaying unit based oninput through inputting unit of the apparatus; switching displays onsaid displaying unit based on menus selected on said menu screen; andswitching, as when a specific menu is selected on said menu screen, saiddisplays on said displaying unit in response to a fingertip gesture madeby said user for detection on a touch-sensitive panel attached to adisplay screen of said displaying unit.
 8. The information providingmethod for use with a vehicle-mounted apparatus according to claim 7,wherein said fingertip gesture constitutes a display switchoverenvisaged by said user.
 9. The information providing method for use witha vehicle-mounted apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said displayswitchover envisaged by said user is an outcome of said displays havingbeen switched on said display screen.
 10. The information providingmethod for use with a vehicle-mounted apparatus according to claim 9,wherein said display switchover envisaged by said user constitutes adisplay transition on said display screen.
 11. The information providingmethod for use with a vehicle-mounted apparatus according to claim 7,wherein said display switchover on said display screen constitutes a mapswitchover.
 12. The information providing method for use with avehicle-mounted apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said displayswitchover on said display screen constitutes a content displayswitchover.
 13. A recording medium recorded an information providingmethod program for use with a vehicle-mounted apparatus therein whichprovides desired information to a user through displaying unit, saidinformation providing method program comprising the steps of: displayinga menu screen on said displaying unit based on input through inputtingunit of the apparatus; switching displays on said displaying unit basedon menus selected on said menu screen; and switching, as when a specificmenu is selected on said menu screen, said displays on said displayingunit in response to a fingertip gesture made by said user for detectionon a touch-sensitive panel attached to a display screen of saiddisplaying unit.
 14. The recording medium recorded an informationproviding method program for use with a vehicle-mounted apparatustherein according to claim 13, wherein said fingertip gestureconstitutes a display switchover envisaged by said user.
 15. Therecording medium recorded an information providing method program foruse with a vehicle-mounted apparatus therein according to claim 14,wherein said display switchover envisaged by said user is an outcome ofsaid displays having been switched on said display screen.
 16. Therecording medium recorded an information providing method program foruse with a vehicle-mounted apparatus therein according to claim 15,wherein said display switchover envisaged by said user constitutes adisplay transition on said display screen.
 17. The recording mediumrecorded an information providing method program for use with avehicle-mounted apparatus therein according to claim 13, wherein saiddisplay switchover on said display screen constitutes a map switchover.18. The recording medium recorded an information providing methodprogram for use with a vehicle-mounted apparatus therein according toclaim 13, wherein said display switchover on said display screenconstitutes a content display switchover.